Aug 12, 2011 9:53 AM

I just started running at the end of May and finally picked up some dedicated running shorts yesterday (men's, btw). In my rush at Dick's, I grabbed some Nike DryFit shorts that were on sale and checked out before trying them on.

They fit fine and all, but I wasn't expecting the swim-trunks-style underwear inside. Are these meant to be worn with no additional underwear?

What do most people wear under their shorts when they run? I usually wear boxers. I have a pair of cotton briefs, but I tried running in them and they stuck to my body and gave me a wedgie. Not pleasant.

What are the ups and downs of different methods? Impart to me your collective wisdom...

I would avoid cotton underwear as it may cause chafing. I'm not a man, but I can say that I prefer to just run in my running shorts. I am always uncomfortable when I wear underwear under my running shorts. I think you need to do what is most comfortable for you.

I wear the shorts by themselves. The only thing I would consider wearing under is compression shorts and thats mostly in colder weather. Just my preferance and wouldn't take a chance of something else under the shorts causing chafffing especially for long runs.

The liner should support you just fine. No underwear. I do find that some shorts are more comfortable than others, particularily for long runs. Just like shoes, make sure you know how they feel before and event.

I like the running shorts with the liner. I find them very comfortable and I do not wear underwear with those. In cold weather I will add a base layer under the shorts.

"What distinguishes those of us at the starting line from those of us on the couch is that we learn through running to take what the days gives us, what our body will allow us, and what our will can tolerate." - John Bingham--------

I like compression shorts as well. I have some Under Armour running shorts that have the underwear/mesh lining and I don't find them as comfortable as the Adidas shorts I have without the lining. The compression shorts help keep my thighs warm in the colder weather and keeps everything in place while I run. I really like the compression shorts Under Armour makes. Running with just the built in lining seems like it could cause irritation, which is why I've never tried it myself.

and I'm just the opposite, I far prefer running with just the shorts lining. Keeps things in place and ventilated in hot weather with no chafing of discomfort. My preference is for Mizuno Mustang shorts.

I personally always wear boxers underneath whatever I am wearing, the trick is that they should not be cotton, those that arre part lycra work best for me.

As a side note, I have found out that slightly longer shorts (about knee long) agree more with longer runs, I have a tendency to produce some friction in the inner part of my tighs so if they are not long enough I end up with some chaffing, leggins have the additional bonus that then you have to wear much less about underwear as they absorve much of the friction.